Phil Collins

Philip David Charles Collins (born 30 January1951), generally referred to as Phil Collins, is a British rock/pop musician. Collins’ presence on popular music was most evident in the mid-to-late 1980s. He is most famous as the lead singer and drummer of progressive rock group Genesis and as a Grammy winning solo artist.

Wait for it, wait for it! Anticipation is half the fun. So I've been told...

Live at Wembley Stadium DVD (July 1987)

Stewart Copeland is an amazing drummer. I just wish he didn't think he was amazing. Sting is a lovely bloke. We've become friends. I felt honored to be on stage with him at Live Aid.

Playboy interview (October 1986)

[On his Live Aid appearance with members of Led Zeppelin] They wanted me there early to rehearse the old Zeppelin songs, but I couldn't make it and I told them, "Listen, I know the songs. I know them backward and forward." Well, that day the tempos were all over the place, and it may have seemed like it was my fault, because I was the one who hadn't rehearsed, but I would pledge to my dying day that it wasn't me. In fact, it was Tony Thompson who was racing a bit; he was a bit nervous, I guess. It came off because of the magic of being Zeppelin; but I remember in the middle of the thing, I actually thought, How do I get out of here?

Playboy interview (October 1986)

I can't remember those words (Lyrics) even when we were on tour.

From "Telling Stories", when Collins was asked to sing "Home By The Sea", a song by the band Genesis from the album "Genesis"

I wouldn't blow my head off. I'd overdose or do something that didn't hurt. But I wouldn't do that to the children. A comedian who committed suicide in the Sixties left a note saying, 'Too many things went wrong too often.' I often think about that.

Well, if you told me you were drowning,
I would not lend a hand.
I've seen your face before my friend
But I don't know if you know who I am.
Well, I was there and I saw what you did
I saw it with my own two eyes.
So you can wipe off that grin,
I know where you've been.
It's all been a pack of lies

"In the Air Tonight"

I know the reason why you keep your silence up,
No you don't fool me.
The hurt doesn't show
But the pain still grows
It's no stranger to you and me.

Do you like Phil Collins? I've been a big Genesis fan ever since the release of their 1980 album, Duke. Before that, I really didn't understand any of their work. Too artsy, too intellectual. It was on Duke where Phil Collins' presence became more apparent. I think Invisible Touch was the group's undisputed masterpiece. It's an epic meditation on intangibility. At the same time, it deepens and enriches the meaning of the preceding three albums. Listen to the brilliant ensemble playing of Banks, Collins and Rutherford. You can practically hear every nuance of every instrument. In terms of lyrical craftsmanship, the sheer songwriting, this album hits a new peak of professionalism. Take the lyrics to Land of Confusion. In this song, Phil Collins addresses the problems of abusive political authority. In Too Deep is the most moving pop song of the 1980s, about monogamy and commitment. The song is extremely uplifting. Their lyrics are as positive and affirmative as anything I've heard in rock. Phil Collins' solo career seems to be more commercial and therefore more satisfying, in a narrower way. Especially songs like In the Air Tonight and Against All Odds. But I also think Phil Collins works best within the confines of the group, than as a solo artist, and I stress the word artist. This is Sussudio, a great, great song, a personal favorite.